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When to plant Figs in Bristol County, MA

Bristol County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Figs May 17–May 31 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Figs in Bristol County, MA

Figs are ancient fruiting trees or shrubs producing uniquely sweet fruits with soft flesh. They are surprisingly cold-hardy for a Mediterranean plant and thrive against warm walls.

Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 833 feet, Bristol County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Figs during the growing season.

Bristol County, MA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Bristol County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Figs

Figs needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Figs Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bristol County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Figs Planting Timeline — Bristol County, MA

Figs Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 – May 31

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

730–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Bristol County

Growing Tips for Bristol County

Plant against a south-facing wall for maximum heat. Restrict root growth with barriers to encourage fruiting over vegetative growth. Protect in winter with wrapping in cold zones.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Figs in Bristol County, MA?

Bristol County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Figs planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bristol County, MA?

Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Figs in Bristol County, MA?

In Bristol County, MA, plant Figs after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bristol County, MA for Figs?

Bristol County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Figs grows reliably in zones 7a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Figs grow in Bristol County's climate?

Yes — Figs grows well in Bristol County's temperate climate. Bristol County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Bristol County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bristol County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bristol County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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